An Adultitis Fighter is someone who rallies against rules that don’t exist and engages in ruthless, senseless acts of silliness that undermine Adultitis and its unadventurous version of adulthood. Once a month, we shine a light upon the most remarkable among us, holding them up as a dazzling example of what we should strive for in this epic battle against a formidable enemy.
Neil Mathweg may be 40, but you might guess he’s been drinking from the magical fountain of youth for years. Neil has managed to stay childlike and joyful, generously sharing his vibrant personality and creativity with everyone he meets. He’s a true inspiration and an everyday tinkerer. Luckily for those he encounters along the way, he is generous with sharing this childlike energy. His optimism is contagious and welcoming. He’s a true Adultitis Fighter, bringing Adultitis to its knees with every encounter. Neil surrounds himself with positive people and enters the world with an attitude that inspires even the most weary among us. Enjoy feeling the refreshingly warm breeze of cheer and delight as you learn more about April’s Adultitis Fighter of the Month!
In recognition of their efforts, Adultitis Fighters of the Month receive a special mini-canvas hand-painted by Jason, along with a certificate of honor, a sweet patch, and other Adultitis-Fighting tools. We asked Neil some questions about how he fights the Big A and what advice he has for others…
What are some of your favorite ways to fight Adultitis?
Fill my office with fun things and plaster my computer with stickers (just like I did my desk at home as a kid). Play with my kids and buy into their imagination. Meaning if my little guy, Ashton, turned into a super hero and is in the middle of a battle with the villain I go right with him. Oh and LEGOs. Need I say more?
Who or what has been the greatest influence in your own fight against Adultitis?
Jason and Kim for sure. Without a doubt. They inspire me more than words can express.
What is something you loved doing as a child that you still do in some form today?
Driving a car. As a kid I had this toy, that sat on my lap, and was a dash of a car with a steering wheel. In my head I would drive to my grandma’s house in Dubuque. I remembered every turn and could drive all the way there. I would also pretend I was a bus driver and would drive all over town getting people to where they needed to go. As a real estate agent, I still do that to this day.
What is your strategy for dealing with people who are obviously infected with Adultitis?
Patience and understanding that they don’t know what they don’t know. Someday they too will see the light.
What advice do you have for someone who is feeling overwhelmed by Adultitis?
Relive your childhood’s happy place. No matter the childhood you had (good or bad) there is something from your childhood that made you happy. Wherever that is, go there.
Anything else you’d like to share?
Thank you Jason and Kim for doing all that you do for all of us. My wife Jenny said it best at break of the first Escape Adulthood Summit when I asked her what she thought of the Summit so far. She said, “We have found our tribe!”
Oh and one more thing….GO BREWERS!! 😉
Congrats to Neil Mathweg, April 2019 Adultitis Fighter of the Month. Thank you for making the world more awesome!
